If you are looking for a hearty, comforting dish that combines the best of all worlds—cheesy, saucy, and utterly satisfying—the Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is an absolute winner. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luscious lasagna experience, but with a twist: no noodles to boil or layer painstakingly. Instead, frozen ravioli acts as the pasta layer, soaking up all the rich flavors as it cooks slowly and evenly in your crockpot. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal ready without constant supervision, delivering that classic lasagna taste with hands-off simplicity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this dish, and you’ll find they don’t require any fancy shopping. Each component adds its own magic—meaty richness, bright herbs, creamy cheese, and robust sauce that makes this slow cooker meal truly special.
- 25 oz. frozen ravioli: Use 5 cheese ravioli if possible; freezing keeps ravioli intact and ready to absorb sauce perfectly.
- 1 lb. ground beef: Adds savory, hearty flavor, but feel free to swap with mild sausage for a little extra zest.
- 1 cup white onion, diced: Provides sweetness and texture contrast when cooked with the beef.
- 1/2 tsp. salt: Essential to season the meat and give the whole dish balance.
- 1/4 tsp. pepper: For a subtle kick that enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder: Adds a comforting depth that’s synonymous with Italian cooking.
- 1/2 tsp. dried leaf oregano: Offers a classic herbaceous note, not overpowering but definitely necessary.
- 24 oz. marinara sauce: Choose a quality brand like Rao’s to ensure your lasagna is rich and flavorful.
- 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups): The golden, gooey topping that makes every bite indulgent.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat and Onions
Begin by heating a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion along with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions have softened nicely. Don’t drain all the juices; leaving a few tablespoons helps keep the meat moist and flavorful in the final dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly spray your slow cooker bowl with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later on. This simple step lets the layers of your slow cooker ravioli lasagna cook without a hitch.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Start by spreading half of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Then add half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce—no need to thaw, as they’ll cook perfectly in the slow cooker. Next, spread the cooked ground beef and onion mixture on top of the ravioli. Follow this with the remaining ravioli and pour the rest of the marinara sauce evenly over everything.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping
Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the final sauce layer. This cheese creates that irresistible melty top that elicits “wow” with every scoop.
Step 5: Slow Cook It
Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 4 hours. This slow, gentle heat lets the ravioli absorb the sauce’s rich flavors while the cheese melts into a bubbly finish, giving you a moist, tender lasagna without the fuss.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. A little grated Parmesan on top is also a nice touch for extra cheesiness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad dressed simply with olive oil and vinegar or a side of roasted garlic bread. The freshness and crunch from sides balance out the cheesy, saucy goodness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe straight from the slow cooker for a cozy, communal feel, or plate it individually topped with a basil sprig. For a fun twist, try layering individual portions in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic presentation that doubles as a wow factor for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. This slow cooker ravioli lasagna reheats beautifully and stays moist overnight thanks to the sauce and cheese layering.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing, and use freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through. Cover with foil in the oven to prevent cheese from drying out, and add a splash of water or sauce if it seems a bit dry.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen for this recipe?
While you can use fresh ravioli, frozen works best because it holds its shape during the long cooking time without becoming mushy. If using fresh, reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to brown the meat before adding to the slow cooker?
Yes, browning the meat with onions and seasoning builds deep flavor and improves texture. It also prevents the meat from releasing too much water into the dish, which can make it watery.
Can I freeze the Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe before cooking?
It’s best to assemble and cook the dish before freezing leftovers. Freezing before cooking may affect the texture of the ravioli and sauce after slow cooking.
What kind of sauce works best for slow cooker ravioli lasagna?
A good quality marinara sauce with robust flavors works best. Rao’s or homemade marinara are great options because they don’t become too watery and maintain richness.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite veggies. The ravioli’s cheese filling plus marinara and mozzarella keep it hearty and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals when I want comfort food without fussing in the kitchen. Its simplicity in ingredients and steps, combined with the deliciously cheesy, savory layers, means it always feels like a special treat. I encourage you to try it out, especially on those days when you want dinner ready to serve after a busy day. It’s cozy, fuss-free, and melts hearts bite by bite.
Print
Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting and easy-to-make layered pasta dish using frozen ravioli, ground beef, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, all cooked slowly to perfection in a slow cooker. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner that combines rich flavors and gooey cheese without the need for boiling pasta or extensive prep work.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 25 oz. frozen ravioli (5 cheese, DO NOT THAW)
- 1 lb. ground beef (or mild sausage)
- 1 cup white onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. dried leaf oregano (not ground)
- 24 oz. marinara sauce (such as Rao’s)
- 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a medium-sized non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Cook until the meat is browned, leaving a few tablespoons of liquid in the pan to keep the mixture moist.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread half of the frozen ravioli evenly over the sauce (do not thaw ravioli). Layer all of the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the ravioli. Then add the remaining ravioli over the meat.
- Add Remaining Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top layer of ravioli, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the layered ingredients.
- Cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 4 hours, allowing the ravioli to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: After cooking, gently scoop portions onto plates and enjoy your hearty, cheesy slow cooker ravioli lasagna.
Notes
- Do not thaw the ravioli before layering; cooking it frozen ensures the best texture.
- Keeping some meat juices in the skillet helps keep the dish moist and flavorful.
- You can substitute ground beef with mild Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- If you like a spicier dish, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the meat.
- Slow cooker temperatures and times may vary, so check the doneness of the ravioli around the 3.5-hour mark.
